EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a method used by trained professionals that uses movement on both sides of your body to help you process negative stuck information in your brain and then reprocess that information in a positive light.
Why do EMDR?
Throughout our lives, especially in childhood, we collect little traumas that are encoded into the sensory processing part of our brains to keep us safe from losing social connection. These little traumas not only inform our thought processes, but they become activated at a subconscious level resulting in having large reactions to situations that are not dangerous. EMDR works to recalibrate our brains so they no longer react strongly to these situations, and we can feel empowered to act differently.
EMDR vs ART
ART stands for Accelerated Resolution Therapy and was designed by one of the first EMDR trainees as a way to make the process of EMDR more proficient. Typical EMDR is a free association process that is linked to a particular negative belief. It can take time to get through the tangled web of memories associated with each negative belief. ART on the other hand is a straightforward method of targeting a specific memory reprocessing it, processing memories associated with it quickly, and identifying a new perspective to take you forward.
A testimony of EMDR and ART
My Experiences with EMDR and ART
The reason we use EMDR and ART is because it works! I know this from personal experience as I have used it in my own life with my own therapist. I have noticed dramatic results, especially with ART in changing how my body reacts to triggers that I don't always understand. Beyond that, I have seen dramatic results in clients after using EMDR and ART. My favorite was a client who told me they had felt controlled by this negative aspect in their life for so long and believed they always would. After a single ART session, it was like the aspect was now in black and white instead of vivid color. They could still remember what happened but it no longer had control over their life.